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Urban Farm Fresh Romance #6

Raindrops on Radishes: A Christian Romance

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She pictures a relaxing oasis. He sees food for the less fortunate. They both claim the same backyard.

Family lawyer Sadie Guthrie snaps up a heritage house with a backyard perfect for relaxing with her caramel espresso and cinnamon rolls. Now some guy is digging in her garden and thinks he has a claim to it. For vegetables! Too bad he doesn’t realize he’s taken on a veggie-hating attorney in her den.

Urban farmer Peter Santoro had a deal with his elderly neighbor to cultivate her yard for his business, but when she dies and the property is sold, the new owner refuses to honor it. Peter is torn between his need for income and an attraction to the hard-hitting, plus-size lawyer, but is his interest for all the wrong reasons?

What’s a guy to do when his arch enemy invites him to escort her to a fundraiser for his favorite charity? And how can Sadie ever trust that an active guy like Peter could actually fall for an unhealthy girl like her?

"I am blown away by Radishes. I feel like you wrote that for me.""Thank you sooooo much for tackling the "obese" subject in such a sensitive, true & Christlike way. It really hit home to me."

RAINDROPS ON RADISHES is the sixth story in the Urban Farm Fresh Romance series, an off-shoot of the original Farm Fresh Romances. If you love Christian contemporary romance series that focus on engaging characters, strong communities, and deep faith — clean, wholesome, sweet, and inspirational romances — you’ve come to the right place!

These urban farming stories explore what a city neighborhood focused on local food might look raising goats, chickens, and bees in the heart of the city while sharing in food projects and engaging in each other’s lives. Oh, and falling in love!

0. Promise of Peppermint
1. Secrets of Sunbeams
2. Breezes on Butterflies
3. Memories of Mist
4. Wishes on Wildflowers
5. Flavors of Forever
6. Raindrops on Radishes
7. Dancing at Daybreak

274 pages, Paperback

Published February 22, 2019

59 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

Valerie Comer

88 books232 followers
Valerie Comer is constantly amazed that living, talking, dreaming characters appear in her mind and flow from her fingertips and, from there, to her delighted readers. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily-ever-afters as much as she does hers, sharing rural life in western Canada with her husband, adult children, and adorable grandkids.


Valerie is a two-time USA Today bestselling author and a two-time Word Award winner. She is known for writing engaging characters, strong communities, and deep faith into her green clean romances.


CONTACTING VALERIE
Newsletter | Website/Blog | Facebook | Pinterest
valerie@valeriecomer.com

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5 stars
67 (62%)
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31 (28%)
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8 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Gemma.
834 reviews67 followers
February 20, 2019
I love all of Valerie Comers books, this series in particular has been very good. This book however was the best of them all. Valerie touches on some sensitive subjects in this book and they are handled so well.
Very well written, I loved it.
Profile Image for Stacey.
1,019 reviews
March 4, 2019
One of Valerie Comer's best 'romance' stories featuring a confident, capable, overweight heroine who struggles with a world of hurt after discovering she's adopted. Even though this is romantic fiction, Ms. Comer tackles the topics of weight and adoption with realism and integrity as her heroine sorts through her emotional struggles that affect her health and relationships. Fans of the Urban Farm Fresh series will revisit the Bridgewater community and see what their favorite couples are up to as well as cheer on Peter and Sadie as they struggle to find their happily ever after. After viewing some of the 'body shaming' scandals on social media this is a refreshing take on how persons of every size should cherish and care for their bodies, and not focus on the 'image' society tries to impose. My only complaint is that there wasn't a recipe for some of the great veggie dishes and desserts listed at the end of the story. I especially wanted to know how to cook radishes so they are sweet and tender and not hot and bitter! Perhaps Ms. Comer will write a Farm Fresh Cookbook that covers the dishes and beverages in her story that have made my mouth water over both series!
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
February 16, 2019
A Wonderful Romance

I was hesitant,at first to read this book but I always read Valerie Comer books.
My hesitancy was reading a book that discussed obesity because I find myself in that situation.
The subject was interesting and I learned a lot.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romance with a strong message.
Profile Image for Gretchen Louise.
445 reviews162 followers
February 16, 2019
Both a delightful read and a challenging look in the mirror...

Sadie Guthrie and I have a few things in common: short curls, a fondness for farmers, an addiction to coffee…as well as a struggle with body image and a tendency to turn to food when stressed.

Valerie Comer's books don't usually make me cry—but Raindrops on Radishes did. Valerie paints a vivid portrait of a curvy heroine who is loveable but far from perfect in the way she processes stress and sees relationships. Throughout the easy-to-read romance, Valerie deals gently but honestly with issues of diet, weight, and body image. (There are also some not to be missed word pictures of adoption.)

If you're already a fan of the Farm Fresh Romance series or the Urban Farm Fresh Romance series, you won’t want to miss a visit back to Green Acres Farm in Idaho—or catching up with the Santoro family around the Bridgeview neighborhood of Spokane. (Warning: it will make you want to re-read both series again, and make you even more excited for the next in the Montana Ranches series.)

But even if you've never met any of Valerie Comer's delightful characters before, Raindrops on Radishes is the perfect place to get started. Just drop by Bridgeview Bakery and ask for directions to Mrs. Essery's old house…
Profile Image for Martha.
1,949 reviews61 followers
March 7, 2019
I loved this book and seeing the characters struggle with some real character flaws, as well as personal struggles was good. There are some topics like weight issues, adoption, and other things that get brought up in this story. The author did a great job doing that well, while not allowing the book to get too heavy.
Profile Image for Paula Marie.
173 reviews8 followers
February 11, 2019
By far my favorite of the Urban Farm Fresh Romance series....okay, so I probably say that each time the new one comes out, but seriously, this story is wonderful! So nice to have a real "plus size" heroine, not one that's a 'few pounds' overweight! This journey is real, and Mrs. Comer tells it so beautifully that I even wanted to eat my green beans....lol! Honestly though, Peter and Sadie's struggle into a relationship is going to stay with you a long time!
Profile Image for Marbeth Skwarczynski.
Author 13 books82 followers
June 23, 2023
Sadie Guthrie is struggling. Her challenging work as a family law attorney tends to keep her own family issues front and center. When she isn’t working, she just wants to rest with her cat, a book, and a sweet treat. She bought her new house, intending to make it an oasis of relaxation. Especially the backyard. Beds of flowers to scent the air, a trickling water feature, and a patio in keeping with her newly-purchased heritage home sounded perfect. But, her plans are disrupted by the next-door neighbor, who claims he had an arrangement with the former landowner.

Peter Santoro is struggling. His challenging work with the Fish and Wildlife Department is just one of his jobs. He sinks every spare minute into the new company he started with his cousins: Bridgeview Backyards. Together they grow garden produce in participating backyards. But, out of the blue, one of those yards — one he’d had arranged to purchase — is sold instead to someone not willing to continue the arrangement.

As these two struggling people attempt to deal with lives too full of work, busyness, and poor choices, they come to realize there is also a spark between them. But can two unhealthy people ever have a healthy relationship?
Profile Image for Catherine.
331 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2019
The foreshadowing about the legal contracts being important for the backyard gardens business finally comes into play! I was anxiously waiting for something to happen during the last couple books and this book opened with the anticipated bombshell! I always enjoy how these books intertwine with the Farm Fresh Romance characters and this was no exception. Comer made Sadie a believable character with insecurities that you could see affecting her choices and how she interacted. I found the initial relationship development with Peter to feel 'off' from what we'd been shown of them as characters, but that eventually sorted itself into a believable dynamic. Some tough issues were raised during this book and handled without being too heavy-handed.
It still bothers me that Astrid wasn't reprimanded more obviously during this story for being so harassing to Sadie within Astrid's place of employment. I understand the relational challenge, but it felt shrugged off when that kind of repeated encounter would be VERY hard to deal with from Sadie's side. Some resolution there instead of Astrid being warmly viewed by the end of the story would've been good.
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,774 reviews29 followers
March 7, 2019
Another great Christian romance from Valerie Comer starring people with realistic problems. This book is best enjoyed within the series due to many recurring characters, but could certainly be read on its own.

This story focuses on Peter Santoro, Jasmine's cousin, so there was plenty more action with Marietta and the rest of the Santoro clan. Sadie moves in next door to Peter and Alex. Sadie and Peter meet when he tries to harvest the radishes he planted in her yard. Of course, the agreement was made with the late previous owner, so does he even have the right to be there? This inauspicious beginning starts out their romance. They both realize they need to reassess their personal relationships with Christ if they want their dating relationship to be successful. Fun addition to this series.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books653 followers
March 25, 2019
RAINDROPS ON RADISHES may be the sixth story in this series (books listed below) but it easily stands alone. Fans will want to read the other books in the series though.



Ms. Comer is one of my favorite romance writers - her characters just come alive and leap right off the page. Plus I love the faith message she weaves into the story.



I found myself rooting for Peter. He was a sweetheart. Sadie was a bit whiny and I just really don't understand the whole "I was adopted nobody loves me" drama that is so popular in stories. If you were adopted, you were chosen. My parents had to put up with me (ha) but my sister was adopted and chosen.



But the story was engaging and I didn't want to put it down. Fans will want to read the whole series.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tina at Mommynificent.
662 reviews18 followers
February 24, 2019
I was a little nervous after the first few chapters that I might have actually found a Valerie Comer book I didn't like. I did not like the main character Sadie at all! But I should have trusted that one of my favorite authors wouldn't let me down! This turned out to be one of my favorites of Comer's books! She did such a fabulous job with character growth - the transformation in Sadie's character was inspiring, believable, and a joy to be a part of! I loved how several of the characters showed that love can be both tough and unconditional at the same time. And as always, it is a treat to visit all my friends in Bridgeview!
Profile Image for Andrea Byers.
471 reviews11 followers
April 24, 2019
Peter has been hoping to buy the elderly neighbors house where he’s gardening her back yard for a year. When he learns the neighbor has died and the estate quietly sold the house, along with the new neighbor refusing to let him garden in the back yard, he begins to figure out how he can keep that yard. He never planned on developing an interest in said neighbor, especially one who hates vegetables. Sadie has things to work through, including learning to love herself and work through some issues she’s been holding on to. Beautiful story about an important issue dealing with weight, accepting God’s love for us, and learning to love ourselves as He does.
Profile Image for Renate Deutsche Oma.
1,408 reviews
February 15, 2019
Living in a Michigan urban farm setting, I enjoy the premise of the Urban Farm Fresh and Farm Fresh Romance series. Even though I am an avid Valerie Comer reader, I was not fond of Sadie Guthrie's disrespect for her neighbor Peter Santoro. As a lawyer, I presumed she would be a good listener. As a Christian, love your neighbor as yourself. Maybe impossible with Sadie's self esteem issues due to her weight. The parable in the story - radishes, eggs, and coffee is unique. This romance maybe read as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Linda.
Author 10 books35 followers
February 20, 2019
Sadie finds the home of her dreams in Bridgeview. But she's a misfit. Not only is she unhappy about the previous owner's contract with Bridgeview Backyards, but her cute neighbor is digging in her backyard. She doesn't like vegetables, either. And she's overweight. Maybe her misfit past has something to do with it, too. I loved this story. And I learned a lot. Thank you, Valerie Comer, for another beautiful story! Looking forward to the next one...
Profile Image for Dawn.
42 reviews5 followers
October 30, 2021
Peter & Sadie, what a sweet, spicy pair! I loved how Valerie dove into the subject of being overweight and the health (and mental/emotional) issues that come with it. I completely understand Sadie's thoughts of being unlovable. I've walked that road far more times than I wish to count. Peter's love and selflessness as they really dove in together made my heart melt. So good. This was my first read of Valerie's, but I'll totally come back for more!
2,105 reviews19 followers
February 16, 2019
Good

Another winner. Deals with some tough issues, as usual, in a very encouraging and useful way. I love that about these stories, how they are entertaining and practical at the same time. Love the community and values. A great evening's read. Can't wait for the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,650 reviews
February 18, 2019
As I've come to expect, Valerie Comer has written another excellent addition to her Urban Farm Fresh Romance series. Lots of good insights into loving and forgiving oneself before being able to love and forgive others. To enjoy this the most, you'll want to have read the others in the series first, but it can stand alone if absolutely necessary.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,289 reviews18 followers
February 23, 2019
A wonderful addition to the Urban Farm Fresh Romance series. The relationship between Sadie and Peter has so many twists and turns. Sadie just can't seem to believe someone can care for her. Peter can't believe how stubborn Sadie is. What will become of them and how will this story turn out??? You must read this one for yourself. I absolutely loved it!!!!!
61 reviews
August 9, 2019
Heartwarming and genuine.

I love how each character has to seek God for clarity in their individual lives and in what we're pursuing. I enjoyed the storyline between the two characters and how they were so different, yet so similar. But if I had to pick my favorite, it would be the grandma; she's such a hoot!
53 reviews
October 4, 2019
Relatable

For anyone who has ever struggled with self-worth or weight...this book is a must! Speaks to the truth of being Christ's workmanship & the mental struggle to embrace how God sees us & the journey to finding ourselves & forgiving ourselves & others to heal past hurts. Beautifully & poignantly written .
Profile Image for Hannah Luce.
7 reviews
July 29, 2025
Once again, a fanatic story by Comer. I appreciate so much how realistic her love stories are; it is not a boy meets girl happily ever after, but a real story of working through all the challenges attraction and Christian relationships can face. And that she brings it back to Lord in every book! So good.
5 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2019
Wonderful

Loved the story of sadie. Very inspirational .clean romance.I thought it was interesting that the next door neighbor thought he could plant a vegetable garden in sadie back yard?.
1,009 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2019
Review

I loved this book in the Urban Farm Fresh series, just like I did the first 5. Peter finally finds his love, Sadie, but things don't go smoothly for them. Sadie is obese and hates vegetables; she lives in sugar and carbs. And veggies are Peter's life. The author addresses obesity, and also adoption, sensitively. The urban farm project is a really great idea, and reading about all the friends and the community that are involved is inspiring. Glad there's another book in the series.
770 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2021
Peter and Family

Meet Sadie whom wants all the vegetables and fruits out of her garden/yard area now. She doesn’t like vegetables now and never will. They are just gross. Literally gross. Let this great story pull you in more and more each page you read.
Profile Image for Renee.
14 reviews
February 19, 2019
I loved this book. 2 really hard topics covered in a very tactful way. I can hardly wait for the next one in the series.
19 reviews
December 4, 2020
Great book

Loved the book......I loved how she showed that relationships have to have the right foundation in order to work. I plan on reading more!!
409 reviews
May 7, 2022
Loved it

I enjoyed Peter and Sadie's story. Sadie had a lot to overcome, obesity, self esteem, and her adoptive father. Her heavenly Father loved her through it all.
Profile Image for Jill.
370 reviews11 followers
May 16, 2022
Another great, feel good novel from Comer. I did like that this one touched on a tough topic and reminded us that before we can love others we must love the person God created us to be.
Profile Image for Gwen|| Bookish Blondie.
1,287 reviews11 followers
July 27, 2024
Radishes on Raindrops is a prime example of why a book title doesn’t always reflect quality. The title alone is a head-scratcher, and it sets the tone for a read that is as bland as it sounds. The novel fails to deliver anything of real substance, leaving you with a hollow, forgettable experience.

The plot plods along with the excitement level of watching grass grow, and the characters are as interesting as a wet noodle. If you’re hoping for a story with depth or memorable moments, you’ll be sorely disappointed. It’s the kind of book where you’ll be counting the pages until you can move on to something that actually engages your brain.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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